“The thing that keeps me motivated is having a plan for the future in my mind. That helps me push through and complete the training that will allow me to develop and try to achieve those long-term goals.”

That approach to apprenticeship training is paying off so far for Ethan Morris, who was recently named Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Waikato Civil Contractors Awards.

Ethan, an apprentice drainlayer with Schick Construction, is 1.5 years into his NZ Certificate in Pipeline Construction and Maintenance (Level 4) through Connexis. He says winning Apprentice of the Year is an amazing recognition of his training efforts so far.

“It means the world to me, because it proves that all my hard work, long hours, determination, and work ethic have been recognised, not only by my company but by the Waikato,” he says. “It shows me and everyone that if you put your head down, work hard, and try to better yourself every day, you will be able to reap the rewards, and people will start to notice.”

Ethan began his apprenticeship journey through a Gateway programme while still a student at Hamilton Boys’ High School, after attending an open day at Schick and learning more about what the company did.

“The things that appealed to me about drain-laying were being able to operate heavy machinery, which I’d wanted to do since I was a little kid, and being able to learn while working was another big upside for me. Doing an apprenticeship means I can learn, work, and get paid all at the same time, while getting a qualification under my belt that will last a lifetime.”

He adds that the biggest challenge of his training so far has been finding time to stay on top of some of the training bookwork while working long days on the job, but he adds he’s had good support from both Schick and Connexis to keep him on track.

“Connexis has supported me immensely with monthly catch-ups and being able to talk about things we struggled with as well as things we did well with, and any help we need just to be able to complete our bookwork,” says Ethan, adding that having access to other wellbeing services through Connexis “makes the process feel a lot more inviting and makes you, as a student, feel like you matter which helps you benefit by learning”.

A highlight of his training so far has been the opportunity to learn by doing and to meet a wide range of people. He’s also proud to be a part of the Connexis Water Services Apprenticeship Reference Group, a cohort of six current and former Connexis water trainees tasked with discussing legal and logistical issues in the water sector so as to ensure trainees are provided with the most relevant information in their training bookwork.

Now that he’s well into his apprenticeship, Ethan says he also loves being able to work in an environment that is providing a service and helping people has become important to him.

“Helping people have new homes with working drainage, or new roads with working water retention systems, gives me a sense of fulfilment, like I’m giving back and providing for the future,” he says.

“I also like being around so many people who do different jobs within the same industry, like site works, earthworks, and land development; not only being around them, but being able to jump into different activities with them when needed, and being able to learn new skills and change it up every so often.

“With the people you meet in the industry, everyone has different stories and experiences that you can learn from and relate to, which makes the job even better. You have a solid team around you who you can enjoy and have a laugh with while working.”

To others considering an apprenticeship or just starting out on their qualification journey, Ethan’s advice is to try to pursue something that you have a passion for, which will make keeping up with the work/study balance easier. “There are heaps of different apprenticeships out there, and if you’re doing a qualification you have a passion for, it will make it 10 times easier completing the bookwork.

“To keep on top of the bookwork, I’d say put your head down and make the time, whether it’s 15 minutes a day or an hour, because it will benefit you in the long run. Just keep ticking away with it because if you stop, it’s hard to get motivated to start again.

“Civil drain-laying is a trade where if you put the hard yards in, you will be able to reap the rewards, so I highly recommend anyone out there who’s interested or curious to give it a go. It’s not all about live sewage and yucky stuff!”

Ethan’s own professional road map includes ongoing training and a big picture goal of eventually moving into leadership roles.

“Self-development is the key to a good life. All throughout my future life I would like to be training and learning new things.

“After completing my drainage ticket, I’d like to go into a project manager or contract manager position and be able to learn more about the wide variety of this job, rather than just one sector.

“I like the idea of a management role in the future. I’ve always felt like I am a good role model and am good when it comes to helping and organising things. I’d find it really fulfilling to be able to help and guide others to become their best selves.”

The post Top apprentice has his eyes on the future appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

“When many people enter this industry, becoming a labourer might not be their first job choice. Our approach is to work with them, to help them on their way towards the getting into the roles they aspire to and that will also benefit the business,” says HEB Construction Training Manager, David Hall.

David believes the training and pastoral support for learners and apprentices at the company is among the best in the country. HEB Construction won the National Connexis Civil Training and Development Award for its staff development programmes in 2023 and 2024.

HEB National Talent Development Manager Amy Baars and her team support and train more than 100 apprentices at HEB sites all across New Zealand, working with Connexis customer service account managers (CSAMs).

HEB Construction also provides support for those with learning or literacy challenges and while there is a dedicated training team, the whole company is involved in the success of learners.

David says, “Everyone is involved in supporting trainees, from senior management to engineers early in their careers. It’s all about building mutually beneficial relationships.”

Amy was impressed by the company’s commitment to and investment in learning when she started in her role in late 2024.

“We’re fortunate at HEB to have a dedicated team that supports apprentices and trainees through their professional development, backed by significant investment in both training and pastoral care.

“This support ensures that our team members are well-equipped to succeed, not just in their roles but also in their personal growth,” she says, adding that HEB operates the 70-20-10 model in how it supports its trainees, with 70% learning derived from on-the-job experiences, 20% through social interactions with peers and mentors, and 10% through formal training or education programs.

“Not all learning is in a classroom or from a book. Learning from others and through experience is crucial, and our people are open and real, sharing knowledge to help each other do their jobs and to grow their skills. There is a healthy and proactive learning culture across our projects, sites and offices.

“Our approach to training and development contributes to our strong staff retention. We’re able to develop career pathways that people might not have considered before, keeping people engaged and motivated.”

David adds that celebrating wins is another important part of developing a successful learning culture.

“In recent years some of our apprentices have won apprentice of the year in their regions. It’s amazing to see people who may not have had an opportunity for formal learning, thrive in these training contexts and even be in the limelight for their achievements.

“We make sure they’re recognised at HEB and everyone from their peers and managers across the business join in to celebrate them. This culture which values our people encourages and motivates others to take up further training or just be open to learning from one another.”

Amy adds, “That’s the beauty of qualifications.  Training, whether on the job or in the classroom, leads to recognition and ignites a passion for learning.

“Ultimately, good training support translates to more success for the business,” David says. 

“Training makes people feel more confident and valued, contributing to our high staff retention. Our employees become more agile and adaptable to client needs and are able to deliver great outcomes for our customers.”

Check out the HEB website for more information.

The post Success in training equals success in business for HEB Construction appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

What was meant to be a temporary job has turned into a fulfilling career path for Kaitlyn Newsome.

Kaitlyn’s civil construction career began when she was working for a labour hire company supplying staff to HEB Construction. She decided she’d like to give the trade a go herself.

Kaitlyn, who has also worked as a prison officer, has been with HEB Construction in Waikato since August 2019, working in several different roles. She completed her New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3) and, without hesitation, enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate – New Zealand Apprenticeship in Infrastructure Works (Civil) (Level 4) – Road Maintenance Strand, which she completed in December 2024.

But Kaitlyn, who won the Waikato region CCNZ Apprentice of the Year last year, isn’t done with her training yet. She has now enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Civil Engineering.

That’s quite a shift in thinking from when she started at HEB. “When I first started, I didn’t see myself in the job for more than six months. I intended to use this industry as a stepping stone until I secured another job in an entirely different line of work.

“That has changed massively. I’m still here six years later and have achieved way more than I thought I ever could. I’ve become really passionate about my career within HEB.

“When I started, I expected to find it hard coming into such a male-dominated field, but I quickly realised it didn’t matter if I was female. I was given the same opportunities as everyone else and was 100% supported when I showed interest in becoming a machine operator.

“I’m now a full-time grader driver, and I’m studying for my diploma in Civil engineering.”

Two of the things Kaitlyn enjoys most about her work are the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a job and working in a close-knit team. “It’s extremely fulfilling knowing each day that my workmates have my back and that we’re there to support one another, day in, day out.

“I also love that there are opportunities for career progression, which can lead you to a whole bunch of different avenues within the industry.”

Kaitlyn also manages to balance her ongoing learning with being a mum of two and a manager of a local children’s hockey team.

To other young women who might be considering a career in civil construction, she says: “Go for it!
“There are so many opportunities out there. It’s a field that can challenge you, but it can also bring out the best in you and make you realise you’re capable of skills you never thought you would have.
“Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes or doubts. The good days definitely outweigh the bad in this industry.”

HEB Training Manager – Learning and Development, David Hall, says, “Kaitlyn worked hard to achieve her Level 3 qualification and Level 4 apprenticeship through Connexis, and it’s amazing to see her go on to enrol in the Civil Engineering Diploma.

“She has worked hard with her studies and has found time to help her workmates with their own studies. Kaitlyn truly is an inspiration to all women in the civil industry who are looking to further their career through the HEB apprentice programme.

Well done, Kaitlyn—a deserving winner of Apprentice of the Year.”

The post Constructing a Career Through Training appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Attending a Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis® (GWHV) event in 2022 opened Natalee Hughes’s eyes to a new world of career possibilities.

After attending a GWHV hosted by Horizon Networks in Whakatane, Natalee completed a Gateway programme with Horizon while she was still a student at Trident High School. It just cemented the idea that a career as a line mechanic was for her.

Once she left school, Natalee joined Horizon full time as an apprentice line mechanic and is due to complete her apprenticeship later in 2025. She’s also gone on to help encourage other young women into similar apprenticeships by helping out at recent GWHV events.

“I really enjoyed the day when I visited through Girls with Hi-Vis®. As a student I really enjoyed being a bucket operator and controlling a crane, but the best thing was pole top rescue and I really enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work.

“GWHV is important because it gives girls a chance to try things you wouldn’t usually expect girls to do,” she says. “If you’re thinking about a trade, just go for it. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by — you might regret it.”

Natalee’s own successes are proof of where trades training can take you. After seeing her speak confidently and passionately to other young women at GWHV about the opportunities open to them, Natalee was selected by Horizon and Connexis for a Connexis Outward Bound scholarship in 2024 in recognition of her leadership skills.

“I wanted to do Outward Bound because I wanted to try something I’d never tried before and I wanted to gain confidence in my own abilities,” Natalee says, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience was working with the team of people on her Outward Bound course.

“They were non-judgemental and they were all amazing people who really encouraged me to never give up on myself or my teammates. I was nervous about the 5km run we had to do, because of an injury, but I managed it and didn’t give up. I felt amazing afterwards. I had a real sense of accomplishment,” Natalee says.

“I also learned to always have the courage to speak up for yourself. In this job it’s really important as if you ever feel unsafe you need to speak up, and if I have a question I need to have the courage to ask.”

Back on the job with Horizon, Natalee says the thing she loves most about her job is the people she works with out in the field. “They push me past boundaries that I never thought I could cross. They make me feel a part of the line mechanic whānau.”

The post From Hi-Vis to High Voltage: Natalee Hughes is lighting the way for women in trades appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

When Bay of Plenty’s Waiotahi Contractors wanted to introduce a professional development plan for its people, they turned to a concept every civil construction worker knows well – building roads.

Waiotahi now uses the simple imagery of building a road on its Career Progression Map to give all employers a clear visual understanding of how they can develop their career opportunities and progress through the company by training. The map clearly tracks how an employee might go from being a labourer to a project manager by following a training path with Connexis from NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (level 2) through to the NZ Certificate in Project Management (Level 5) with other jobs and qualifications along the way.

Each step along the path outlines approximate pay increases, skills acquired and responsibilities undertaken.

The Waiotahi Career Progression map is the brainchild of the company’s People and Capability Manager, Hollie Atarau.

“We had done some staff surveys and one of the things a lot of staff said they wanted was more training and professional development, so, as part of developing a culture and wellbeing improvement strategy, we came up with the professional development career progression plan,” Hollie says.

“It provides a clear pathway for our entry-level roles to progress within Waiotahi. Which helps with employee retention as well as professional growth. Employees who advance within the company from the bottom up are really valuable, because they gain that knowledge through experience and on-the-job training, while getting the qualifications. It’s great to keep that knowledge and understanding in the company.”

Hollie knows a thing or two about how important training and professional development can be for building a career, having started at Waiotahi as a receptionist. She developed the roadmap so everyone in the Waiotahi can see clearly and quickly where training could take them – and how it can impact what you earn.

“We put the average industry pay rates in because it does inspire people to see what they can achieve financially by investing in their own training and development. That’s quite motivating.”

Hollie says the map is often used by managers when they’re onboarding staff, and in performance reviews, to motivate team members.

“An operator can see on the map that their journey can lead to a project manager. Waiotahi do really want their staff to succeed and they want to be part of that journey of supporting them to reach their goals.

“It goes a long way to fostering a positive company culture when staff feel valued and motivated. They then want to contribute to the success of the business.”

Feedback on the map from Waiotahi staff has been hugely positive, Hollie says. “A lot of feedback has been on the fact it’s a really visual tool; and it’s pretty simple without pages and pages of words about different steps and options.”

Shining a light on the value of training also has a domino effect within the team, Hollie says. “One of our guys in Kawerau recently finished a qualification and one of his team mates reached out to me and wants to complete the same civil apprenticeship. Seeing people succeed encourages others.

“It makes them want to achieve more, and they enjoy their job more. It gives them a sense of produce, and a sense of loyalty to the company. That reduces our staff turnover and reduces the costs of hiring. It’s good for everybody.”

Waiotahi currently have 9 staff members completing training through Connexis. 

The post <strong>Waiotahi Construction – Building a new kind of road</strong> appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Following industry feedback in August on proposals for work-based learning, the government has developed a third option and will hold targeted consultation in January 2025, with those industry organisations that have provided feedback prior, on this new Option C, as well as Option B from the previous proposals.

Option B: The option provided in the August consultation establishing Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) with the added function of providing industry advice, with Work-Based Learning divisions transitioned into some sort of provider like a Private Training Establishment (PTE).

Option C (new): Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) would be set up, undertaking the functions of WDCs including standard setting, investment advice, qualification development. They will also undertake Work-Based Learning functions of national coordination for specific industries and pastoral care. The other functions of enrolments and educational components, such as assessments would be through Institute of Technology and Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments and Wānanga.

To read more about the changes go to our VET Review page here.

Connexis enrolments and services will continue as normal in 2025 and we will work to minimise disruption to any training or apprenticeship programmes or the learning support we provide through our Customer Service Account Managers (CSAMs).

The post Government announces future of industry training appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) is a core skill requirement affecting almost any infrastructure project, whether it is building new roads, or maintaining the country’s energy, water and telecommunications networks.

The micro-credential, which is aimed at those who design, plan and develop TTM ensuring safe outcomes for activities conducted in or impacting the road corridor, is the first of a new suite of micro-credentials to be rolled out in the coming months, all of which have been developed to meet a new risk-based approach to TTM as outlined in the NZTA Waka Kotahi New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM).

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the training programme for the micro-credential is aimed at staff who have a health and safety role or responsibility, which is critical to keeping workers as well as the public safe.

“At Connexis we are excited to be a part of implementing this new approach to traffic safety,” Gaukrodger says.

The Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4, 15 credits) micro-credential contains two unit standards that must be achieved before it is awarded:

• 33252 Describe the principles and process for managing risk for an activity requiring temporary traffic management (Level 4, credit 5)
  
  
• 33253 Complete a risk assessment for an activity requiring temporary traffic management (Level 4, credit 10)

For more details on industry changes to the delivery of TTM training, and the new Temporary Traffic Management Risk Assessment (Level 4) micro-credential, please visit the TTM page on our website or contact a Customer Service Account Manager near you.

Image credit: Danny Wood, NZTA

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In October the Hon Minister Penny Simmonds and Hon Minister Louise Upston released an updated policy for the Apprenticeship Boost announcing that from 1 January 2025, first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, and critical industries would be eligible.

Industry training programmes for those employed in the Civil and Water sectors are not included in the updated list of occupations eligible for the Apprenticeship Boost.

Connexis would like to hear from employers impacted by this change so we can understand the industries’ concerns as we engage with the Government on the Apprenticeship Boost changes.

The Apprenticeship Boost is a payment made to employers to help them keep and take on new apprentices.  A list of programmes excluded from the updated Apprenticeship Boost policy are listed below.

For more details including which industries and programmes will be eligible for the Apprenticeship Boost in 2025 visit Work and Income. If you have concerns about the change, and its impact on your ability to fund upskilling your staff, and the wider infrastructure workforce, you may wish to share your concerns with the Ministers.

Please also note that if you are currently receiving Apprenticeship Boost payments for your apprentices, these will continue until 31 December 2024.

If you have any further questions please contact your Connexis customer service account manager in the first instance.

Under the new criteria that has been released, the following Connexis training programmes will no longer be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost funding in 2025:

The following Connexis training programmes will continue to be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost funding in 2025:

The post Changes to Apprenticeship Boost 2025 appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

When Britney Scammell was at school she always wanted to be a nurse. “I had no back-up plan.”

Part-way through a nursing degree, however, Britney realised nursing wasn’t for her, and she began to look around for new career ideas. At first, thinking it made sense to stay in the health sector, she worked for several years in dentistry. All the while the idea of being an electrician buzzed away in the back of her mind.

“When I started studying nursing, I had already become interested in the electrical industry but it just stayed at the back of my mind because I felt I needed to commit to what I had started, and I thought it was too late for me to change my career,” Britney says.

After a break that coincided with the birth of her now five-year-old son, she veered toward dentistry then, finally veered back to becoming an electrician.

“After three-and-a-half years working in dental, I still wanted to become an electrician. I knew healthcare wasn’t in my heart anymore. This time it was different and I knew if I wanted to make a change, I just had to do it.

“I had prepped myself to face the challenges of being a girl trying to get into a trade, but I was determined, so I just went for it.”

Britney’s first step was to make contact with several different electrical firms in Taupo to see if they were taking on any apprentices. After some time and persistence Sam Pook, Contact Energy Capability Lead at Wairakei Geothermal Power Station, said yes, the company was looking for an apprentice. Britney met with Sam, was put forward for a formal interview, and then offered the role. She hasn’t looked back and is now a Level 4 Electrical Trade apprentice.

“There are many things I love about my role. One of them is having a great mentor throughout the journey, who takes the time to properly train me and make sure I understand things when I get taught them.

“Another thing I love is Contact, my workplace, and the team. They are very supportive and caring, which makes things so much easier for me. I also love how hands-on my job is and everything I get to do is so exciting.”

Britney also appreciates that being an apprentice means she’s been able to earn an income while retraining. “I would have still gone for it, but it was a huge bonus for me to be able to support my family and do what I wanted career-wise.

“Being able to learn about how electricity is generated, and being able to see it all and work on it all, has been amazing. You wouldn’t really be exposed to this kind of electrical work in residential work, so I feel lucky to be where I am.”

Though she had her own reservations about working in a fairly male-dominated job, Britney says her best advice to young women considering a trade in the electrical supply industry is “just go for it”.

“It is a very rewarding job and is becoming more popular for women to get into. If you think it is only ‘a man’s job’, it’s not. That was the one thing holding me back from trying to get into the trade, but it is something that shouldn’t even cross your mind. The job is awesome, and you will learn lots of amazing things.”

Contact Chief People Officer Jan Bibby says: “The merits of working in the trades are often unsung. A trade role enables you to use both practical thinking and your hands, have varied days working in the field, and receive on-the-job training whilst being paid. It also sets you up with a career pathway for life.

“We’ve had a significant intake of female engineers at Contact over the past few years and it’s been a breath of fresh air. These women have brought different perspectives and new ways of working to our business. Diversity is key to a successful workforce. It opens up opportunities and enables a business to evolve, which is essential for an industry to survive in a fast-changing world.

“At Contact, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment which allows the next generation of our workforce to grow – regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or background.”

The post Earning and Learning Sparks Britney’s Career Change appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.

Tamea Te Rauna is not one to be tied to a desk. Her first career was with the Royal NZ Navy as a chef. When her time in the Navy ended she cast around for new career ideas and struck upon an advertisement from WEL Networks because the hands-on nature of the work appealed.

Tamea is now more than a year into her cable jointing apprenticeship with WEL and Connexis and loving it. “I really liked the idea of doing an apprenticeship because you get a qualification at the end of it, and you can earn while you’re doing it.”

While she loves the work of being a cable jointer, one thing that has surprised her in taking on the role is how few women cable jointers are around.

“I think a lot of women just don’t know about it as a job. It’s not as high profile as some other trades. It is quite a hard job sometimes and it’s not going to appeal to everyone, but I get really great satisfaction from it; from doing something practical and seeing the finished result.”

Tamea is doing her bit to try and raise the profile of cable jointing – and infrastructure trades in general – among young women by taking part in Connexis Girls with Hi-Vis events hosted by WEL Networks.

She participated in GWHV in 2023, helping visiting students through some basic tasks required of a cable jointer and will be doing the same at WEL Networks’ 2024 GWHV event in May.

She says while many of the students haven’t heard a lot about cable jointing as a career before attending GWHV, they are generally interested in the activities and finding out more about what the job, or other infrastructure trades might involve.

“It’s also a really great chance just to meet and talk to women working in the job. If you come into this job, you’re not alone. If I can do it, anyone can do it!”

“One day you’re in a trench the next you’ll be under a sub-station. It’s always different.”

The post <strong>Apprentice lights the way for others</strong> appeared first on Connexis | Infrastructure Training.